HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige announced the interim appointment of University of Hawai‘i natural energy researcher and faculty member James (Jay) P. Griffin to the Public Utilities Commission. Griffin currently works at UH Mānoa’s Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute.

Previously, Griffin was chief of policy and research at the PUC, leading staff and consultant teams in analyzing state energy policy decisions, including long-term power supply planning.

“We are excited to find a talented individual in Jay Griffin, who has demonstrated expertise and is aligned with our commitment to a 100 percent clean energy future,” said Gov. Ige.

“I would like to thank Governor Ige for this incredible opportunity to return to the PUC. I look forward to working with Chair Iwase and the commission that will help realize Hawai‘i’s potential for a clean energy future,” said Griffin.

Griffin earned his bachelor’s degree in political economy from Williams College, his joint master’s degrees in public policy and environmental management from Duke University, his master’s degree in economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara and his Ph.D. in policy analysis from Pardee RAND Graduate School in Santa Monica in 2008.

Griffin’s interim appointment is effective June 5, 2017 and is subject to the advise and consent process and senate confirmation.